Construction, tourism activities allowed by Government in eco-sensitive zones
Even amidst stiff opposition from within the NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) and cautious notes from environment activists, the government went ahead to allow the construction beyond 0.5% and has given nod to tourism activities in nature conservation zones (NCZs).
This was notably done only to accommodate the demand of Haryana government.
It can be seen from the details of 62nd meetings of the board’s planning committee in October and December 2013 that in order to safeguard the environmentally sensitive areas from urbanization, the chief regional planner had proposed a 0.5% restriction on construction in NCZ. After the Haryana proposed inclusion of “tourism” in the list of permissible activities in NCZs, another member in the meeting, the additional secretary in the urban development ministry suggested this can be included provided that these constructions are limited up to maximum of 0.5% of the area of the NCZ.
These details have been revealed in RTI replies obtained by Col Sarvadaman Oberoi of Mission Gurgaon Development.
Finally, on the recommendation of the planning committee, “Regional recreational activities (including tourism) with no construction exceeding 0.5% of the area except with the specific permission of the competent authority under applicable environment and forest laws.”
Haryana wanted more. At the last board meeting in January, the state chief secretary suggested that the words “as per applicable policies” may be added. It has been alleged by the Environment activists that this was pushed to ensure that state has a free hand in allowing different types of activities including commercial projects simply by coming up with a favourable state tourism policy.
Responding to this, the NCRPB member secretary said the issue was discussed in “great detail” and the planning committee carefully structured the formulation of this provision to ensure the protection of natural conservation zone.
However, the board chairman’s approved minutes “as per state policies” have been included after the “including tourism” in the list of permitted activities in the NCZs.
Environment activists have also alleged that the revised plan is being pushed even without carrying out environment impact assessment.
They also pointed out the dilutions made in the revised plan. For example, “forest” as a landuse category has been deleted and it has been replaced with green area, defined as non-agriculture vegetated areas including dense vegetated area such as forests, plantation and open scrub.
Secondly, the target for forest cover of 10% has been diluted, by making it a target of 10% for green areas.
Source: Business Standard
Chief Planner, Col Sarvadaman Oberoi, Commercial projects, Environment activists, environmentally sensitive areas, forest, forest laws, Haryana government, Mission Gurgaon Development, nature conservation zones, NCR Planning Board, NCRPB, NCZ, RTI, Tourism, Urban development ministry, Urbanization
